Keylong is a hill station that is located at a height of 3,080 meters above sea level. The city is located in Lahaul Spiti district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The town that is surrounded by small villages lies at the bank of Bhaga River where Bhaga valley, Chandra and Chenab valley meet.
The town is a major tourist hub due to its wonderful picturesque. Keylong is surrounded by valleys, mountains, rivers and the green landscape which are eye catching. One of the most renowned writers who lived in this place described it as a dwelling place of god. This is because of the beauty of the area as well the conservatory nature of the people around.
Tourists visiting Keylong will also enjoy the culture of Tibetans who live close to the town. The town is also under the influence of Buddhist culture hence there are a number of festivals that makes your visit in this place enjoyable.
Tourists interested in history will love the place due to the number of historical monuments located in the area. Shashur, Kardang and Tayul Monastery are among the notable historical sites in this area. The Kardang monastery contains ancients’ weapons, prayer drums, musical instruments and paintings which symbolize the history of Buddha.
Keylong town is popularly known as the oasis of the green because of the fertile soil of Bhaga valley. The town supplies potatoes, barley and buckwheat to other parts of the district. The crops form a beautiful field that is worth to spend a day in.
The best time to visit this place is during the summer period that runs between May and mid October. During the winter period the town is not accessible due to winter fall. Visitors can reach Keylong through air, road or by rail. The closest airport is Bhuntar which is 175 km from the town.
Tourist Attractions in Keylong
Monasteries
The town houses some of the most notable Monasteries in the state of Himachal Pradesh. In the Monasteries visitors will enjoy the ancient architectural designs as well as appreciate what history has to offer. These Monasteries include:
Kardang Monastery
Kardang monastery is also known as Kardang Gompa and is located 5 km from Keylong city. It is the most popular monastery and it is highly regarded among the Buddhist.
Inside the monastery there is a library that preserves the Buddhist literature. Buddhist scriptures such as the Tangyur and Kangyur are some of the literatures which are preserved in Bhotiya and Sherpa language. Other traditional things found in the monastery include musical instruments, ancient weapons, paintings and traditional prayer drums. A huge statute of Lord Buddha is also a major tourist attraction.
Guru Ghantal Monastery
This famous monastery is located at the banks of Chandra River. It is one of the oldest monasteries in this state. The monastery is constructed using the traditional architectural style with a pyramid shaped roof which makes it stand out when compared to other monasteries.
The monastery contains wood carvings as opposed to the clay carvings in other monasteries. In the monastery there are statutes of the Guru Padmasambhava and Goddess kali.
Gemur Monastery
The monastery is located 16 km from Keylong in Bhaga valley. The monastery is 700 years old and contains some of the Buddhist miniatures, paintings, artifacts and statutes. One of the major tourist attractions in the temple is a sculpture of goddess Marichi Vajravarahi which dates back to 11th century A.D. The popular ‘devil dances’ are performed in this monastery in the month of July.
Tayul Monastery
This monastery which means the chosen place in Tibetan language is located 6 km from Keylong town. It is one of the oldest in the valley and contains some of the most important religious relics of Buddha religion. Inside the monastery there is a library that contains Buddhist literature.
Shashur Gompa
The monastery is located 3 km from Keylong town and its major attraction is the 5 metres long Thangka. The design of this vertical monastery is worth paying a visit. There are traditional prayer drums, flags and traditional paintings which gives a deeper understanding of the people who lived in this place in those days.
Temples
Chaurasi Temple
Tourists cannot miss to pay a visit to this temple that dates back to the 9th century. It is the most notable tourist attraction in the city and carries a very interesting religious story that will be of interest to any tourist.
Triloknath Temple
The temple is located in Udaipur near Keylong. The shrine was constructed in 1520 A.D and is one of the oldest in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The temple was constructed by Rani Sultan Devi and is a major tourist attraction due to its wonderful architectural designs.
Triloknath means Shiva and therefore the building is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also constructed with a look that is similar to a Buddhist shrine by Guru Padmasambhava. As result the temple attracts both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
At the entrance of the temple is a stone chiseled tower that reveals the great skills of the constructors of the temple. Inside the temple the inner walls and the doors are carefully carved and properly painted. At the door of the temple there are two carved stone pillars known as ‘dharma’ and ‘Paap’ which indicates virtue and sin. The temple also contains different religious items such as prayer wheels, Buddhist gompas and numerous images of the destroyer of the universe. Inside the temple there is still a tiny stone Nandi that is considered to be a holy bull representing Lord Shiva.
Devotees from both the Hindu religion and Buddhist religion visit this place in order to offer prayers to Lord Trilokinath as well as receive blessings. Though the main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, the temple contains other idols such as Sharda and Narda.
Tourists visiting this temple in the month of august will enjoy Pauri festivals. The enthusiasm and the joy attached to the festivals attract masses of tourists.
Hadimba Temple
This is one of the major attractions in the city of Manali. The temple that is constructed in Pagoda style depicts the great architectural designs of the people who lived in this place. The temple was built in 1523 A.D and was dedicated to goddess Hidimba. The temple also contains some legendary figures and symbols which are a centre of attraction to tourists.
Other Tourist Places
Tandi
It is one of the villages in Keylong, Himachal Pradesh. The village is situated at a height of 2573 metres above sea level. Tandi is located 8 km from Keylong town at the convergence of Bhaga and Chandra River. History indicates that the place was founded by Raja Rana Chand Ram by the name Chandi but was later changed to Tandi.
The place is famous among tourists due to the mythological stories associated with it. A legend indicates that Chandra son of the moon god and Bhaga daughter of the sun god were in love and they agreed to go round the village. Chandra was believed to be smart and active and was able to find his way easily round the village. Bhaga was later found struggling through the narrow gorges but was later able to make her way into the village when they got married. Pilgrims visit this place to enjoy the sight of the two rivers as well as listen to the mythological stories associated with them.
Another interesting thing about Tandi is the number of villages surrounding it. All the villages showcase a unique culture hence tourist will be able to learn a lot from the communities. Tourist will have a taste of different songs, food varieties, dances and different clothing worn by the people who inhabit these villages.
The most ideal time to visit this place is in the month of June to September when the climate is conducive. During the other months the village might not be accessible due to snow fall.
Udaipur
Tourists visiting Keylong cannot miss an experience in Udaipur. The town that is just few kilometres from Keylong has a lot to offer ranging from natural beauty to historical monuments. The most notable tourists’ attractions include:
Lahaul Valley
This is a valley lying in the Indo-Tibet border of Himachal Pradesh state. The valley is surrounded by mountains covered with rocky escarpments and snow peaked mountains. The beauty of the rugged escarpment makes it a fantastic place to spend a holiday in.
Manimahesh Lake
The lake is located at the foot of Manimahesh Kailash Peak. The lake is considered to be a holy lake and tourists visit this place to take a holy bath.
Sissu
This is a popular village located in Keylong in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The city is endowed with different gifts of nature that makes it a popular hub for tourists visiting Keylong. The village is located at the height of 3100 metres above sea level close to the bank of Chandra River. Some of the most notable attractions in this area include:
Rahala Waterfalls
The waterfall is located 16 km from Keylong. The incredible sight makes it a wonderful place for any traveller.
Rewalsar Lake
The lake is located 25 km from Mandi town close to Keylong. It is one of the most revered lakes among the Hindus, Buddhists and Sikh followers. The Lake is associated with Padmasambhava’s who made Buddhism religion to take root in Tibet. They believe that the spirit of this man resides in the reeds island in the lake.
Manikaran Hot Springs
This is another major tourist attraction in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists come to this place to take a holy bath in the hot springs. The springs are hot in such away that some of the food stuffs such as rice can be cooked in it.
Best Hotels in Keylong
Hotel Dekyid
The hotel is located in Keylong at place where one can be able to view the mountains where Kardang monastery is located. The hotel is 165 km from Bhuntar airport and tourists can access it either by road or by rail.
The hotel contains 25 well furbished rooms which gives a good view of the mountains. The rooms are divided into different categories such as deluxe rooms, single non A/c room, double non A/c room and triple non A/c room. Other room categories include double (CP) room, single (CP) room, double (MAP), single (MAP) and double (AP) room. There are other categories of rooms which clients can choose from while in the hotel. Every room has an LCD TV, newspaper and clean bathrooms.
Visitors in the hotel will enjoy other services such as car hire services, laundry services, travel desk and a restaurant that serves different food varieties.
Himalayan Resort
The hotel is located in Manali town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists visiting Keylong can choose this hotel as their destination of choice because of the high standard facilities offered in the hotel. Tourist can access the hotel from Delhi airport by taking a domestic flight to Bhuntar airport. From the airport one can drive to Manali which is 50 km away.
There are 8 cottages in the hotel which are fitted with brilliant services to ensure that their clients are comfortable. The rooms contain clean bathrooms, LCD TV, dressing area and a kitchenette equipped with refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker and a toaster.
Visitors can also access a swimming pool for recreational. The hotel is also renowned because of their spa services. Their experts give a wonderful experience which can be relished by the travellers. Tourists should not miss the delicious meals served at the hotel.
Hotel Honeymoon Inn
Hotel honeymoon is located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh and can be accessed through Kullu airport that is 40 km away. Tourists using buses can also access the hotel as there is a bus stand that is 1.5 km away. The hotel provides some of the best accommodation facilities in this town.
The hotel contains 59 rooms with a good view of snow, valleys and the deodar wood. There are different types of rooms in the hotel which include semi deluxe rooms, deluxe room, super deluxe room, honeymoon special room, regent rooms and duplex room. Every room has an attached bathroom, TV, channel music and 24 hours room service.
The hotel also provides other high standard facilities such as banquet hall, conference hall, doctor-on-call, laundry services, discotheque, travel assistance desk, inhouse generator, cybercafé, bar and video games. The hotel has a restaurant that serves different cuisines to match the needs of different travellers.
Silmog Garden Manali
The hotel is situated at Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The hotel is situated at an ideal place away from the hustle life yet very accessible .The ambience of the hotel is a good welcome in this city. Silmog Garden offers excellent facilities especially to families on their vacation as well as couples in honeymoon.
The hotel contains different categories of rooms such as standard rooms, deluxe room, super deluxe rooms, family suites, deluxe family suites and family suites. The rooms are constructed in different designs to match the tastes of different travellers. All the rooms are equipped with TV, a bathroom and a newspaper.
Other facilities offered in the hotel includes power back up, credit card services, laundry services, cab services, ample car parking, doctor on call, internet services and a separate restaurant to serve vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The hotel provides travel desk assistance services to ensure that all their visitors enjoy their stay in this city.
Apple Country Resort
The hotel is located in Manali, and one can access it by air, road or by rail. The nearest airport to the hotel is Bhuntar airport which is 50 km from the hotel.
The hotel contains 39 guest rooms and suites which are well furnished with all modern amenities required by a modern traveller. The stylish rooms give a good picturesque of the surrounding area. Apple view hotel provides different types of rooms to their clients which they can choose from. The room types include deluxe room, Mountain View room, deluxe suite, honeymoon suite, duplex suite and a cottage with two bedrooms.
Dining at the hotel is an amazing experience that makes this hotel unique. Visitors are served with North Indian, South Indian and Gujarat dishes. The hotel also serves fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables.
For recreational visitors can enjoy cool music at the hotel bar as well as spa programmes offered by experts in the hotel.
Hotel Chandrabhaga
The hotel is located at Leh road in Keylong town. It is one of the best hotel in this city which offers a good view of surrounding areas especially Kardang monastery. The hotel is excellently designed embracing the rich culturally monastery of the surrounding area.
The hotel offers luxurious and comfortable rooms which are clean and spacious. The rooms in the hotel give a good picturesque of the surrounding area. All the rooms are equipped with an attached bathroom, satellite TV and a 24-hour room service. The bathroom contains hot and cold running water.
Other services offered in the hotel include travel assistance desk, laundry services, doctor-on-call, car hire services, spacious car parking and internet connections facilities. Hotel Chandrabhaga accepts credit cards and therefore business travellers need not to worry.
The hotel has a restaurant which serves different types of food. The staffs at the restaurant are disciplined and highly competent hence serving delicious food which will be enjoyed by all their clients.
Gyespa Hotel
The hotel is located in Keylong in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The hotel is easily accessible as it is located near the new bus stand at Keylong. The hotel provides modern facilities in order to make your stay in this place enjoyable.
There are 16 spacious and well furnished rooms in the hotel. The rooms are divided into various categories such as the ground floor rooms, rooms with balcony, general rooms and family deluxe rooms. The rooms with a balcony give you a good sight of Himalayas ranges. All rooms are equipped with an attached bathroom, 24 hours hot and cold running water, 24 hours room service, colour TV and excellent furniture to make your stay enjoyable. The rooms have different charges which will match with your budget.
Other facilities offered at Gyespa hotel include laundry services, secure car parking, doctor on call and a tour guide who can take you to all wonderful sights in Keylong and the surrounding areas.
Hotel Snow View
The hotel was constructed in 1937 and is one of the oldest hotels in Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh. However, several renovations have taken place transforming the hotel into a modern hotel with excellent amenities. The hotel is located 50 km from Bhuntar airport and 30 metres from the bus stand hence making it easily accessible.
There are 45 rooms in the hotel which are fitted with all necessary amenities to make your stay in this hotel enjoyable. Guests have a choice to stay either in the family suites rooms, semi deluxe rooms and deluxe rooms. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, satellite TV, channel music, 24 room service, hot and cold running water, wireless internet access and direct dial telephone.
Visitors can also enjoy other services such as laundry services, doctor on call, travel assistance desk, currency exchange, secure car parking and a conference facility that can accommodate 100 people at a time.
Hotel Sandhya
Hotel Sandhya is located in Manali town five minutes drive from the bus stand. The hotel is strategically located at a place that gives a spectacular picturesque of the surrounding snow capped mountains. Their excellent facilities combined with their competent staff make your stay memorable.
Guests visiting Hotel Sandhya have an option of staying in the semi deluxe rooms, deluxe or the super deluxe room. Guests in the 32 rooms wil enjoy facilities such as coffee/tea maker, heater, colour TV, telephone, internet connectivity a balcony to view the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Inside the hotel there is a restaurant that serves Indian and International cuisines. The guests can also enjoy other services such as travel desk, indoor games activities in the evenings, discotheque, housekeeping service, cab services, parking facilities and a well-furnished conference hall.
The hotel also provides a lawn garden where visitors can take a walk in the morning or late in the evening.
Drifters Inn and Cafe
The hotel is located in Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The hotel is situated at Manu temple and all the rooms in the hotel give a good view of the surrounding area. The hotel is highly regarded among tourists due to the high-quality services offered at the hotel.
The rooms are in the hotel are spacious and fitted with all necessary amenities to make your stay delightful. There are different categories of rooms in the hotel all offering different facilities. Superior rooms have satellite TV, pedestal fan, wardrobe, dressing and seating areas. The standard rooms are much smaller than the superior though they have all the facilities in the superior rooms except a TV set. The family rooms in the hotel are designed to suite family needs and with all facilities in the superior rooms.
The hotel provides a library, internet connections and a fire place in case of a snow day.